Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University, established in 2012, is a public institution in Lakeland, Florida, and is recognised as the state's only university dedicated entirely to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, emphasising hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for careers in innovative industries. With a mission to serve students and industry through excellence in education and research, Florida Poly aims to build Florida's technology-based economy. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) building, designed to foster collaboration and creativity among students and faculty.

Things To Consider Before Applying

Applying to your desired university requires a fair amount of work before starting. Preparing crucial documents and degree percentages can decide your course of action. 

Entry Requirements

Florida Polytechnic University entry requirements differ for every programme. They may include specific academic qualifications, submitting a portfolio of your work, or attending an audition. Reviewing the entry requirements for your chosen programme and confirming that you meet them before applying is crucial. 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

1. GPA: Minimum recalculated high school GPA of 3.5 based on core academic subjects. Honours, AP, IB, and dual enrollment courses are weighted.
2. Test Scores: Submit official SAT, CLT, or ACT scores. Florida Poly's SAT code is 7303, and its ACT code is 2869. Superscoring is considered.
3. Coursework: Complete a minimum of 18 approved units in core subjects like English, maths, science, social studies, and foreign language.
4. English Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (61+ iBT), IELTS (6.0+), or MELAB (77+).
5. Additional Documents: Admission essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are optional but can strengthen the application.

Graduate Entry Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree: Hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or a related field.
2. GPA: Minimum GPA of 2.7. Applicants with a GPA below 3.25 must submit GRE scores.
3. GRE/GMAT: GRE is required if GPA is below 3.25. GMAT is not required.
4. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation.
6. Essay: Submit a personal statement or essay.
7. English Proficiency: International students must meet English proficiency requirements.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, as Florida Polytechnic University has a selective admissions process. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds enrollment capacity, the university may establish a waitlist.

Documents

Gathering all necessary Florida Polytechnic University documents in advance can help streamline your application. Ensuring all required documents are ready before the application process can prevent delays and complications. Below is a list of general documents required from every student:
 

1. Admission Essay: Required for undergraduate applicants, detailing extracurricular involvement and personal growth.
2. Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter of recommendation is required, with a maximum of three.
3. Official Transcripts: High school transcripts must be submitted, and for international students, transcripts must be evaluated by recognised organisations like WES or ACEI.
4. Proof of English Proficiency: International students must submit scores from tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
5. Financial Documentation: For international students, proof of funds to support their studies in the U.S. is required.
6. I-20 Form: After acceptance, international students will receive an I-20 form to apply for a student visa.

How To Apply To Florida Polytechnic University?

Florida Polytechnic University has a well-sought application process with distinct procedures for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students must apply well in advance to make things easy and understandable. Below is the detailed information needed for enrolling in Bachelors and Masters programmes at FPU:

Undergraduate Application Process

1. Complete the Application: Fill out the online undergraduate admissions application and submit the $30 non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit Transcripts: Provide official high school transcripts, including senior year courses and grades. If you have taken college courses, submit official transcripts from those institutions.
3. Standardised Test Scores: Submit official SAT or ACT scores. Florida Poly's SAT code is 7303, and its ACT code is 2869. Superscoring is considered.
4. English Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL (61+ iBT), IELTS (6.0+), or MELAB (77+).
5. Additional Documents: Admission essay, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are optional but can strengthen the application.

Graduate Application Process

1. Complete the Graduate Application: Fill out the online graduate application and pay the $30 application fee.
2. Bachelor's Degree: Hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or a related field.
3. Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
4. GRE/GMAT: GRE is required if GPA is below 3.25. GMAT is not required.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation.
6. Essay: Submit a personal statement or essay.
7. English Proficiency: International students must meet English proficiency requirements.

Deadlines

Florida Polytechnic University deadlines for admissions are specific and vary by applicant type and semester. 

Undergraduate Admission Deadlines

• Fall Semester:
  • Early Application Deadline: November 15
  • Regular Decision Deadline: March 1
• Spring Semester: November 1

Graduate Admission Deadlines

• Fall Semester: July 1
• Spring Semester: November 1

These deadlines are crucial for prospective students to ensure their applications are submitted promptly. To accommodate any additional requirements, it is recommended that international students begin their application process at least one year before the intended start date.

Decision Dates

The decision dates for admissions vary depending on the type of application submitted. Applicants can expect to receive decisions within a few weeks of applying for undergraduate programmes. Florida Polytechnic University communicates the outcome via email and updates the applicant portal accordingly.

Decision Dates for Undergraduate Admissions

• Fall Semester:
  • Early Application Deadline: November 15
• Spring Semester:
  • Application Deadline: November 1

Decision Dates for Graduate Admissions

• Fall Semester:
  • Application Deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester:
  • Application Deadline: November 1

These dates help applicants understand when they can expect to receive their admission decisions after submitting their applications.

Florida Polytechnic University Selection Criteria

Florida Polytechnic University employs a holistic approach in its selection criteria for admissions, focusing on various aspects of each application to determine suitability for the chosen course. Here are the critical components of the selection criteria:

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

1. Academic Performance:
   • A minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 is generally expected.
   • The university recalculates GPA based on core academic courses, giving weight to honours, AP, and IB courses.
2. Standardised Test Scores:
   • Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. Florida Poly's average SAT score for admitted students typically ranges from 1280 to 1340, and the average ACT composite score is around 26.
   • The university is test-optional, allowing students to choose whether to submit these scores.
3. Coursework:
   • A minimum of 18 approved units in core subjects (English, maths, science, social studies, and foreign language) is required.
4. English Proficiency:
   • International students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as TOEFL (minimum score of 61 iBT) or IELTS (minimum score of 6.0).
5. Additional Documents:
   • A personal statement or admission essay detailing extracurricular involvement is required.
   • Letters of recommendation (1-3) are encouraged but not mandatory.

Graduate Selection Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, applied sciences, or a closely related field is required.
   • A minimum GPA of 2.7 is necessary. If the GPA is below 3.25, GRE scores must be submitted.
2. Transcripts:
   • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be provided.
3. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Two letters of recommendation are required for graduate applications.
4. Personal Statement:
   • A letter of intent or personal statement outlining the applicant's goals and motivations is necessary.
5. English Proficiency:
   • Similar to undergraduate applicants, international graduate students must meet English proficiency requirements.

Florida Polytechnic University Acceptance Rate

Florida Polytechnic University’s acceptance rate is approximately 55% to 57%, indicating that the admissions process is moderately competitive. This means that slightly more than half of the applicants are admitted to the university. The acceptance rate reflects Florida Poly's focus on attracting well-prepared students for the rigorous STEM programmes it offers while maintaining a diverse and talented student body.

Fees

Florida Polytechnic University fees can vary based on your programme of study and whether you are a domestic or international student. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the costs. 

Undergraduate Students

• In-State Tuition and Fees:
  • Total for 30 credit hours: $4,940
• Out-of-State Tuition and Fees:
  • Total for 30 credit hours: $21,005
• Total Estimated Cost of Attendance:
  • For Florida residents: $24,217
  • For non-residents: $40,282

Graduate Students

• In-State Tuition and Fees:
  • Total for 18 credit hours: $8,506
• Out-of-State Tuition and Fees:
  • Total for 18 credit hours: $19,998
• Total Estimated Cost of Attendance:
  • For Florida residents: $27,783
  • For non-residents: $39,275